This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.houseofstrauss.comWhen Tim Kawakami and I get together, we’re going to talk sports media. Considering that Tim just recently left the Athletic, where used to be my boss, and joined the ambitious SF Standard, we’ve got much to discuss. Also, for those who like Niners talk, we’ve got a whole lot of it in the back half of this pod. My teaser is that Tim dispels a commonly believed false notion or two. Enjoy!

Nate Jones, an NBA agent and footwear entrepreneur at Move Insoles, discusses the dramatic ousting of Nike's CEO. He explores how Nike modernized but lost touch with its core customers, sparking lessons on corporate priorities. The conversation draws parallels to Disney's recent struggles, questioning the trade-off between creativity and efficiency. Jones also critiques Nike's missed marketing opportunities and evaluates the evolving dynamics of basketball branding, particularly with rising talents like Caitlin Clark at the forefront.

In this episode, Saagar Enjeti, a YouTube superstar known for his unique take on content trends, dives into his philosophy against advertising. He discusses the thrilling potential of legacy media's decline and how it empowers new platforms. Saagar explores the ethical challenges of maintaining independence in media, emphasizing the need for integrity. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of political discourse, fan engagement in sports, and the impact of social media on public perception. Get ready for a thought-provoking ride!

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.houseofstrauss.comHad a fantastic time catching up with our friend Moynihan, co-host of The Fifth Column and all around podcasting force at The Free Press. This podcast is roughly two hours, one of which we’re making free. For whatever reason, we found the World War 2 revisionism controversy of Daryl Cooper on Tucker Carlson to be a fruitful subject. Why did the political horseshoe arrive at trashing Winston Churchill? Topics include but aren’t limited to…* Today’s protestors are physically weak compared to the high T 60’s protestors * How television shook up America in the 1960s* Jonestown* The Martyr Made Hitler vs. Churchill imbroglio* The “theyification” of Tucker Carlson* Can a “founding myth” be mostly real? * We’ve exited peak “wokeness.” Is that simply the result of Elon Musk buying Twitter?* What are the free speech implications of American culture getting shifted by one guy’s impact on one social media platform?* Can Michael draw a line between his old shop Vice collapsing and Republicans doing better with young males?* Jesse Jackson

Neil Paine, a prominent figure in sports analytics, dives into the interplay between sports and politics, questioning whether public interest in politics is waning. He touches on the intriguing concept of backup quarterbacks and how they captivate fans, while exploring the 'shadow value' some players contribute beyond stats. Paine also examines the impact of aging on athletes like Aaron Rodgers and discusses the resurgence of baseball through stars like Judge and Ohtani, making for a thought-provoking and enjoyable conversation.

Ryan Glasspiegel, a savvy media commentator, dives into the intersection of sports and politics. He debates whether politics played a role in Sam Ponder's firing from ESPN and defends Pat McAfee against criticism. Glasspiegel explores the nuances of presidential betting odds and critiques the current political landscape, asserting it's more about vibes than substance. Other intriguing discussions include perspectives on Tim Walz and skepticism about Caleb Williams amid overwhelming hype. Get ready for sharp insights and lively conversation!

Warren Sharp, an expert in NFL data and trends, dives into the analytical shifts within football’s most scrutinized league. He discusses how NFL teams are missing opportunities reminiscent of the early Moneyball era and questions why scoring appears to be declining in a so-called pass-friendly game. The conversation explores evolving offensive strategies, the balance of analytics with coaching instincts, and how defensive innovations are reshaping the NFL landscape. Sharp also highlights critical quarterback dynamics, offering insights into upcoming strategies.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.houseofstrauss.comKat Rosenfield is an author and Free Press columnist who often boldly covers matters of cultural controversy. I was fascinated by her “What the Childless Among Us Leave Behind” essay, which anchors a lot of the pod. We also got into Nike’s new direction and a range of other subjects related to the modern gender wars. Topics include but aren’t limited to…* Is there such a thing as objectively good style? * Is the meme of “unhappy childless woman” true? * The divide in perspective between parents and the childless* Kids give you existential relief * Why are cats symbolic of female loneliness? * Hillary Clinton’s “deplorables” vs. JD Vance’s “cat ladies”* Why are Gen Z men shifting Republican? * Why are older women overrepresented at Kamala Harris rallies?* Why did Obama resonate with young millennial males? * What is the visual Social Justice Aesthetic? * Nike shift and the current sanitized culture* Men expressing what they find attractive as underground movement

Wosny Lambre, a commentator on American youth basketball, and Mike Nicoll, director of The Spoils documentary, dive deep into the evolving dynamics of the AAU basketball business. They discuss how youth basketball is increasingly intertwined with social media branding. The duo questions whether the U.S. will maintain its basketball dominance in light of global competition and critiques the current player development system. They also touch on the impact of commercialization and the importance of structured support at grassroots levels for future talent.

Nate Silver, a prominent writer and data expert, dives into a range of intriguing topics. He explores the art of risking everything in his new book and examines the political ramifications of vice presidential choices, including identity factors. Silver shares insights from his time with Sam Bankman-Fried, debates AI doomerism, and discusses why effective altruists often choose to remain childless. He also analyzes Trump's complex media perception and suggests untapped statistical potential in football, challenging conventional narratives.